Carton



Jan. 17, 1961 R. K. scHwEBs CARTON Z'Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 11, 1958 mm, mm

INVENTOR. ROBERT K. SCHWEBS Jan. 17, 1961 1 2. K. SCHWEBS 2,968,392

, CARTON Filed Dec. 11. 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

F/G. 5 ROBERT K. scnwess ATTORNEYS United States Patent CARTON Robert K. Schwebs, Appleton, Wis., assignor to American Box Board Company, Grand Rapids, Mich., a corpora tion of Michigan Filed Dec. 11, 1958, Ser. No. 779,721

11 Claims. (Cl. 20645.14)

This invention relates to a carton for packaging articles. More particularly, this invention relates to a carton especially adapted for packaging and displaying various types of produce, for example citrus fruit.

Produce is usually shipped to a market in large quantities, necessitating repackaging in small lots for consumer display. This packaging is often time consuming and comprises a substantial factor in the price of the produce. It is among the objects of this invention to provide a carton adapted to reduce this packaging time to a minimum. The carton of this invention can be filled simply and quickly, and one simple operation secures the produce therein. The advantages of expedient packaging of produce, such as oranges or lemons, will be obvious to those dealing with such produce.

When produce is being displayed, it is quite commonly known that the purchasers of these commodities are very sensitive about buying without opportunity to thoroughly examine them. Thus, if the produce is packaged such that the customer cannot properly examine it, he may hesitate in making a purchase. It is another object of this invention to provide a carton which allows the purchaser to view and examine the produce in the carton from the sides, the ends and the top without removal from the carton. The customer will not hesitate buying the packaged produce, fearing that'part of it may be spoiled, because he can thoroughly inspect it. 'This will result in more and quicker sales.

Another object of this invention is to provide a carton which is especially strong, thereby not falling apart when the'customer handles it to inspect the articles therein. The carton comprising this invention is of one piece construction, yet having all of these desirable characteristics. The carton is adapted to be folded into a flat, compact unit for low cost shipment and convenience during storage. This carton is simple in construction and relatively inexpensive to produce.

These and other objects of this invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art of packaging upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a top, perspective view of the assembled carton comprising this invention.

Fig. 2 is an end view of the carton shown in Fig. 1. a

Fig. 3 is a side view of the carton shown in Fig. 1, fruit being displayed therein.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the carton shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the outside of one of the corners of the assembled carton.

Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation view taken along the plane VI-VI of Fig. 4. a

Fig. 7 is a view of the blank from which the carton is folded.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the carton in folded,'collapsed position.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the inside of one of the corners. f

Briefly, this invention relates to a carton or tray especially adapted for packaging and displaying produce, including a bottom panel having pairs of upstanding end and side panels forming an upstanding peripheral rim around the tray. A bracing flap extends endwardly from each panel of one of the pairs of panels. A pair of ears extend from the bottom of the carton, one of the ears extending toward each of the bracing flaps. The bracing flaps are adapted to engage under these ears. A pair of joining flaps extend from each panel of one of the pairs of panels. These joining flaps are of a length such that the flaps of one panel overlap the flaps of the other panel. In the area of overlap the joining flaps are secured together forming a complete carton of such openness that articles in the carton are exposed through a substantial portion of the top, sides and ends.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 7 illustrates the blank 1 from which the carton is folded. The blank 1 is symmetrical with respect to both of the center lines A and B. Therefore, only one reference numeral will be used to designate the parts of this blank symmetrical to these two lines.

Blank 1 includes a bottom panel 2, a pair of side panels 3 and a pair of end panels 4. The side panels 3 are integrally joined to the bottom panel 2 along the fold lines 5. The end panels 4 are integrally joined to bottom panel 2 along fold lines 6. The corner portions 10 of each end panel 4 are integrally joined to these end panels along fold lines 11. Corner tabs 15 extend from the ends of side panels 3, being integrally joined thereto along the fold lines 16. 1

A bracing flap 20 is severed from each side panel 3, being integrally joined thereto along the fold line 21 lying parallel to and generally adjacent the fold lines 5. Outwardly of each side panel 3 is a top panel 25, integrally joined to side panel 3 along a fold line 26. Although not necessarily so, the severance lines along the outer edge of the bracing flaps 20 are superimposed on a portion of the fold lines 21. A pair of spaced, generally parallel joining flaps or fingers 30 extend outwardly of each panel 25, these fingers being of a length to be more fully described hereinafter. A pair of ears 32 are severed from the bottom panel 2, one ear extending toward each of the bracing flaps 20. e

The carton is-assembled as follows. Side panels 3 and end panels 4 are folded upwardly, and the inside surfaces of the corner portions 10 of end panels 3 are attached to the outside surfaces of the corner tabs 15 of side panels v3; by suitable means, such as gluing. It will be noted that the assembled carton is adapted to be collapsed into a flat, compact unit as shown in Fig. 8. This is accomplished by folding the end panels 4 inwardly upon the bottom 2, this being possible because of the corner structure shown in Figs. 5 and 9. The corner portions 10 of end panels 4 are made to lie against the end panels 4 themselves, the end panels lying on the bottom panel 2 and the corner tabs 15 lying against the side panels 3 as these side panels are brought down upon the bottom panel 2.

The carton is thus simple to pack for shipment, the compactness thereof also making shipment relatively economical. The markets, who are the ultimate users of this carton, thus receive the cartons in this compact, collapsed state. A minimum of storage space is required for these cartons until they are ready to be put in use.

When produce is received in large quantities, and must be packaged into small quantities for display, the carton of this invention is erected as follows. For purposes of illustration, a fruit such as oranges or lemons is shown, however it must be understood that the carton o f this invention could be used to package and display many types of produce as well as other types of merchandise. This invention is not to be limited with respect to the use made of the carton. The user simply grasps top panels 25 (if the collapsed carton and lifts them upwardly. This will completely unfold the carton, and dr-awthe side panels 3 and end panels to an erect position. Bracing flaps 20 of side panels 3 are then pushed inwardly, pressed downwardly and inserted under ears 32in the bottom panel 2. The carton is then held in a rigid, upright -position,-ready to receive the articles to be packaged therein. The entire top of the carton is unobstructed. Bracing flaps 20 provide rigidity to the assembled carton, preventing it from collapsing due to side sway. The inwardly and downwardly inclined braces 20 assure this rigidity. The top panels 25 form a bridge between the ends of the carton, producing still greater rigidity at the top of the box.

Articles are then placed in this carton, fruit being shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 6. When the carton has been filled, one simple step suflices to complete the cartons assembly and secure its contents. The fingers 30 of each top panel 25 are drawn across the top of the produce, to a position where they overlap. One then merely suitably joins these overlapping fingers together, staples 35 doing the joining very suitably (Fig. 2). Thus, the time for erecting, filling and closing the carton is minimal. The operation is extremely simple, and one need not Worry about-the carton coming apart and the articles spilling therefrom. Where manual erection and closure is not desired, simple conventional equipment is adequate for a fully automatic operation. I

To function in the manner described, the combined length of the end panels 3, the top panels 25 and the fingers from the fold lines must be greater than the width of the bottom 2 plus twice the height of the erected and 'filled carton. Proportioned thusly, the fingers 30 will overlap and a staple 35 may be utilized tosecure together the overlapping flaps (Fig. 6).

It will be noted that articles packaged within this carton are almost completely visible for inspection by perspective purchasers thereof. An examination of Figs. 1-4 will show that the articles within the carton are exposed for viewing from the ends (Fig. 2), from the sides (Fig. 3) and from the top (Fig. 4). Thus, it would be virtually impossible to conceal spoiled produce within the carton because of its openness. This means that prospective purchasers would feel completely free to purchase produce packaged in these cartons as they would have no fear of spoiled produce being concealed within the carton. Fur ther, the bracing flaps 15 give the carton suflicient rigidity to withstand the substantial handling during inspection.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that a carton has been disclosed which is simple and economical to fabricate. It is adapted to be folded into a compact unit r occupying a minimum of space for ease and economy during transportation and storage. When one desires to put the carton into use, it can be erected quickly and simply. After produce or other articles have been placed in the carton, it can be held therein by simply stapling, gluing or otherwise suitably joining together the overlapping fingers .30. The carton is very rigid, and a substantial proportion of the area of articles packaged therein are exposed for viewing from the sides, ends and top of the carton.

While one embodiment of this invention has 'been shown, it will be obvious that certain other embodiments .Inay be employed without departing from the spirit and scopeof this invention. flhese other embodiments are to .;be considered as included in the hereinafter appended claims unless these claims expressly state otherwise.

I claim:

1. A tray having a bottom and an upstanding periph- -eral rim, inwardly and downwardly inclined braces anchored to opposite sides of said rim and to said bottom, nnupwardly projectingfinger on opposite sides of said .rim, said fingers being adapted to be overlapped and .eral rim, inwardly and downwardly inclinedbraces art-- chored to opposite sides of said rim and to said bottom, spaced upwardly projecting fingers on opposite sides of said rim, said fingers from opposite sides being adapted to be .overlapped and secured together.

3. A carton of one piece construction especially adapted for packaging and displaying produce, comprising: a bottom having a pair of upstanding end panels and a pair of upstanding side panels; a pair of joining flaps extending from each of said side panels; said joining flaps being of a lengthsuch that the ends of the joining flaps of one of said side panels overlap the ends of the joining flaps of the other'of said side panels; a bracing flap extending inwardly of said carton from each of said side panels; a' pair of ears extending from said bottom, one of said ears extending toward each of said bracing flaps; said bracing flaps adapted to be positioned under said ears and said ends of said joining flaps of one of said side panels joined to said ends of said joining flaps of the other of said side panels whereby produce packaged in said carton is visible from the sides, ends and top thereof.

4. A carton, comprising: a bottom and pairs of upstanding end and side panels; a bracing flap extending inwardly from each panel of one of said pairs of panels;

a pair of cars extending from said bottom, one of said .ears extending toward each of said bracing flaps; said bracing flaps adapted to be rigidly held under said ears; andmeans extending from each panel of one of said pairs of panels, said means adapted to be secured to.one another in overlapped position.

5 A carton, comprising: a bottom and pairs of upstanding end and side panels; a bracing flap extending inwardly from each panel of one of said pairs of panels; a pair of ears extending from said bottom, one of said ears extending toward each of said bracing flaps; said bracing flaps adapted to be rigidly held under said ears; 3. pair of joining flaps extending from each panel of one of said pairs of panels; said joining flaps being of a length such that the joining flaps of one of said panels overlaps the joining flaps of the other of said panels; and said overlapping joining flaps secured together whereby articles in said carton are exposed for viewing from the top, sides and ends thereof.

6. A carton, comprising: a bottom and a pair of upstanding side panels; a bracing flap inclined inwardly and downwardly from each of said pair of panels; means for securing said bracing flaps to said bottoms; and means extending from each of said panels adapted to be secured toone another in overlapped position.

7. A carton of one piece construction especially adapted for packaging and displaying produce, comprising: a bot-tom;.a pair of end panels and a pair of side panels, said side panels having corner flaps extending therefrom and said end panels having fold lines for folding the corner portions of said end panels upon said end panels; said corner portions of said end panels joined to said corner flaps of saidside panels; a pair of spaced joining flaps oneach of said side panels, the joining flaps of one ofwsaid side panels adapted to overlap the joining flaps of the other of said side panels; a pair of cars extending from said bottom, one of said ears extending toward each of said side panels; a bracing flap struck from each of said side panels; said bracing flaps adapted to be .inclinedinwardly and downwardly and to engage under said ears; and said overlapping joining flaps adapted to be stapled together when produce is placed in said carton, the produce being visible from the top, the ends, and the sides-of said carton.

8. A blank for a carton comprising: a bottom panel; an end panel joined to said bottom along each end thereof; a pair of side panels, -one joined to said bottom panel along each side thereof; a pair of top panels each joined to the edge of one of said side panels along the edge thereof remote from said bottom panel; each of :Said top panels havinga pair of spaced generally parallel 5 tegrally joined thereto along an edge adjacent said bottom panel; and a pair of ears in said bottom panel, one projecting toward each of said brace flaps.

9. A blank for a carton comprising: a bottom panel; an end panel joined to said bottom panel along each end thereof; a pair of side panels, one joined to said bottom panel along each side thereof; a pair of top panels each joined to the edge of one of said side panels along the edge thereof remote from said bottom panel; each of said top panels having a finger extending outwardly from said bottom panel; a brace flap severed from each of said side panels and integrally joined thereto along an edge adjacent said bottom panel; and a pair of ears in said bottom panel, one projecting toward each of said brace flaps.

10. A blank for a carton, comprising: a bottom panel; a pair of side panels and a pair of end panels integrally joined along the respective sides and ends of said bottom panel; a pair of outwardly projecting fingers on each of said side panels, the combined length of one of said side panels including said fingers thereon being greater than the height of the erected carton plus one-half the width of said bottom panel; and a bracing flap severed from each of said side panels and integrally joined thereto along a line generally parallel to the bottom of said side panels.

11. A blank for a carton, comprising: a bottom panel; a pair of side panels and a pair of end panels integrally joined along the respective sides and ends of said bottom panel; a pair of outwardly projecting fingers on each of said side panels, the combined length of one of said side panels including said fingers thereon being greater than the height of the erected carton plus one-half the width of said bottom panel; a bracing flap severed from each of said side panels and integrally joined thereto along a line generally parallel to the bottom of said side panels; and a pair of ears in said bottom panel, one of said ears projecting towards each of said bracing flaps.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,126,123 Streit Jan. 26, 1915 2,033,526 Kinkenon Mar. 10, 1936 2,171,615 Wesselrnan Sept. 5, 1939 2,621,783 Buttery Dec. 16, 1952 

